SNHU Network Acceptable Use Policy

Southern New Hampshire University encourages the use and application of information technologies to support research, instruction and student needs. Users of SNHU equipment, software and computer accounts are expected to follow acceptable standards of ethics and conduct in their use of computing resources. All SNHU faculty, students and staff should be aware of the following acceptable use policy requirements.

The Southern New Hampshire University network (SNHUnet) includes all computer and communication hardware, software and accounts owned by Southern New Hampshire University.

Every computer account issued by SNHU remains the property of SNHU. The person to whom the account is issued is responsible for the account and its use. This responsibility continues until the person is no longer a student or employee of SNHU, at which time all rights and responsibilities regarding the account are terminated. The individual must keep the account secure by keeping the password secret, by changing the password often and by reporting to the Department of Computing Resources when anyone else is using the account without permission. Using another person’s account or allowing someone else to use an account makes both parties potentially liable to disciplinary action.

The use of SNHUnet is prohibited for:

illegal purposes

transmitting threatening, obscene or harassing materials

interfering with or disrupting network users, services or equipment (disruptions include, but are not limited to, distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer viruses and using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other computers accessible via the network)

profit-making from the selling of services and/or the sale of network access

excessive private or personal business.

The following activities are specifically prohibited:

tampering with SNHU-owned computer or communication hardware and software

defining and/or changing IP addresses on any machine

intercepting or attempting to intercept email and file transfers

originating or attempting to originate mail from someone else

attempting to log on to computers without an account (other than using guest or anonymous accounts).

Data within computer accounts issued by SNHU is private.Access to data within computer accounts issued by SNHU without written permission of the owner is prohibited. However, if there is probable cause to believe such data files or programs contain information relevant to an SNHU business requirement or legal proceeding, a person other than the authorized user may examine such data files or programs. Permission for such access would be granted by SNHU’s vice president of Operations. Access to accounts and/or data by the Department of Computing Resources for routine computer systems maintenance work is permitted.

Backup copies of all data in SNHU computer accounts are made routinely to protect against loss of data. No exceptions can be granted.

Requests to waive some policies will be reviewed by the director of the Department of Computing Resources. Under no circumstances will a waiver be granted that violates state, local or other laws.

Confirmed misuse of SNHU computing resources may result in:

loss of access to computer resources

required repayment of funds expended in unauthorized use

expulsion from the university

termination of employment

legal action.

The prohibited uses as defined above may also violate state and federal law; thus criminal penalties may also apply.